Zero Waste is a philosophy and a goal. Only by “closing the loop” can we hope to develop a sustainable economy. The idea is to reduce consumption as much as possible by using design-for-environment in all products and their packaging, and to make all products and packaging recyclable.
Achieving Zero Waste depends on designing products and industrial processes so that their components can be dismantled, repaired, reused and/or recycled. Zero Waste means linking communities, businesses, and industries so that one’s waste becomes another’s feedstock. It means preventing pollution at its source. It means new local jobs in communities throughout British Columbia.
Image from the Zero Waste International Alliance licensed under Creative Commons
The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.
This is the goal we are striving for. Measures of success in meeting this goal are outlined in the Zero Waste Business Principles and the Global Principles for Zero Waste Communities. This is intended for businesses and communities to reference as the definition for Zero Waste.
A zero waste community is a community that supports sustainable resource use, a healthy economy, affordability, vibrant and inclusive neighbourhoods, and equal opportunity through the elimination of solid waste.
As a city we’ve committed to:
Both concepts share similar principles and goals but are considered different in some ways. Click on the button below to learn more about the circular economy or continue to the Resources below for more about Zero Waste.
